Winter ’17 Small Groups begin Huddling! (1/23/17)
During the Fall we introduced a successful run of new small groups. Besides the learning and studying that comes from being part of a Small Group, you also make some new friends, deepen existing relationships, and surround eachother in prayer. True Christian Fellowship. Some of these groups are continuing, and others are being newly formed. But all are open and welcoming new members. As we move from the Christmas season towards Lent, now is a good time to check out the schedule of Small...
Read MoreDoublin’ Down with Job!
When someone we love dies, do we really loose them??? You’re probably familiar with the story of Job; He’s a rich landowner who lived sometime around the time of Abram. There’s this strange conversation in heaven, and the next thing you know he’s lost all of his possessions and his children. But some of the fine print details that we tend to skip over in a passage like this need to be noticed. Here’s what it says in Job 1:1-2… There once was a man named...
Read MoreThe True Star of Christmas (1/8/17)
In last year’s sermon series on Epiphany (entitled “Three Men and a Baby”), Pastor Jim focused on the Wise Men and the Gifts. In this year’s Epiphany sermon, he focused on the star. What was the star? Was it a natural occurrence or something else? What does it mean for us today? During the sermon, Pastor Jim referenced back to last year’s series, so links to each of the three sermons are presented below: Three Men and a Baby… The first part of last...
Read MoreSouper Bowl is Heating Up for the Super Bowl! (2/5/17)
The play-offs are here, and the Super Bowl is right around the corner. The Mary Circle is having its annual Soup Sale. We are offering chicken noodle and vegetable beef for $8 a quart. You can drop off your order with money to the church office or to any member of the Mary Circle either during the week or after Sunday worship services in January. Make checks payable to PITMAN UMW. You can pick up your container(s) of piping hot soup after either service on February 5. Souper Bowl Soup...
Read MoreBeing Renewed Day by Day
Does life have you down? Do all of the details and to do lists bulge into an insurmountable burden; a burden that weighs you down so much that you can’t move on? A burden so heavy that you don’t even want to out of bed in the morning? But God promises us that He is always with us. His strength is always available. Like the manna provided to the Israelites on a day by day basis, God is there every morning to help you carry that burden for that day. And He’ll be there...
Read MoreBLAST Getting Ready to Advance! (1/13/17)
Our Youth Group (BLAST) is ready to take off into their Midwinter Advance. What’s the Midwinter Advance? First of all, it is probably more commonly known as a “retreat,” but we always want to look forward so we’ve latched on to the now cliche term “Advance” instead of “Retreat.” The Advance will be held at America’s Keswick in Whiting, NJ during the weekend of January 13-15. In preparation for this weekend, our youth have been raising...
Read MoreFrom Poland with Love (1/2/17)
John and Dasia Abromovich are missionaries in Poland, who we have supported for many years. The Abramovich’s work with youth groups, leading Bible Studies and organizing camps. John is from the area (Runnemede, NJ), and both of them have visited PUMC on many occasions. John has been having some health issues which will prevent them from making their usual visit home this year, but they are actively continuing their ministry. Dasia recently emailed the following to their prayer...
Read MoreEntering a Jughandle, Rotary, or Roundabout (12/6/16)
As we approach Christmas, Pastor Jim has been preaching a series entitled “An Advent Road Trip.” This was the 2nd part in that series. Is Christmas just a destination? Buy the gifts, wrap the gifts, take down the tree and move on? Is there something we can take from Christmas; not only from Christmas Day but from the journey to Christmas? The following recording is from the 11:00 service. Click on the play button, then scroll down to follow along… Our scripture...
Read MoreThe 12 Days of Christmas Decoded!
We’re all familiar with the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” But other than a silly party song where a quartet of friends gets make fools of themselves by squawking like “Calling Birds” (whatever they are), is there any spiritual significance in this song’s lyrics? There are many versions of the origin and meaning of this song, but a spiritual application to each “gift” mentioned in this song can be made. Back when this song was written,...
Read MoreBible Reading Plans for 2017!
When the “publish” button was clicked for this post, we were in that Christmas Holiday gap between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The gifts were wrapped, placed under the tree, and then unwrapped. All of the Christmas cookies were baked… and most were eaten. All of a sudden we were about to wake up to the Mummers (in Philly, anyway), New Year’s Day will be upon us, and we’ll be thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. What can I do in this new...
Read MoreZephaniah Offers Encouragement During Longest Night Service (12/21/16)
December 21… the first day of winter, and the year’s longest night. For those who have lost something or someone during the year, this night can be a forebearer of a Blue Christmas. And so, as part of our Advent preparation, our Blue Christmas service helps us to re-connect with God’s promises. A loss may be a painful bump in the road or change in course, but God is still in control. During our service on 12/21/16, Pastor Jim turned to the “Minor Prophet”...
Read MoreNew Years Eve Silent Communion (12/31/16)
Milestones such as New Year’s Eve can be helpful reminders of re-assessing your relationship with God. How have you grown? How has your faith been tested? When did you fail to heed God’s call to discipleship? How can you be a better disciple in the future? Not only do we need to hold each other accountable, but we also need to hold ourselves accountable. Small groups and “Emmaus Reunion Groups” are important accountability tools. But, we still need to come to the...
Read MoreChoirs to Present Annual Cantata: Adore (12/18/16)
For the past gazillion years, the choir or choirs at our church have presented a service of worship through words and music (i.e., Cantata). It’s always been presented on the Sunday before Christmas… at 4:15 PM. Yes, 4:15 PM! No clue where that time came from, but… It’s Tradition! It always happens! And so another Christmas is upon us. Tradition! It always happens! But is that all it is??? Habit? Tradition? Christmas isn’t only a tradition; It’s an...
Read MoreBlue Christmas Service (12/21/16)
Many of us lost loved ones during this year. Some of us lost loved ones years ago, but still feel the emptiness. For any of us, the family traditions of the holidays bring back memories of Christmases past. During this holiday season we are especially aware of those who have walked with us and who are an integral part of those memories; but now they’re gone. December 21 is the longest night of the year, and it’s an appropriate night to acknowledge the dark times that our paths...
Read MoreOur Father’s House Preschool to Present Annual Christmas Program (12/8/16)
The Our Father’s House Preschoolers will present their annual Christmas Program in our sanctuary. This year’s program is entitled “The True Meaning of Christmas.”
– Date: Thursday Dec. 8
– Time: 10:00 AM
All are welcome! You don’t have to be an OFH parent- in fact if you’ve experienced our preschool, now is a great time to see what this important ministry is all about.
Gloucester County Choir to Give Holiday Cheer (12/6/16)
The Rowan College at Gloucester County choir will present their annual Holiday Cheer concert in our sanctuary. Here are the details to circle on your calendar: Date: Tuesday December 6 Time: 7:30 PM “Cost”: A donation of $5.00 is “welcome” And, you can make it a full evening out by attending our regular Tuesday night dinner (which starts at 6:00 PM). Registration for the dinner is needed (see the sign up form in the Narthex). ...
Read MoreBecoming Agents of Holiness-Pt 3 (10/2/16)
Why didn’t God answer my prayer?!? This is a struggle Christians always run into. Maybe God just hasn’t answered it YET. Maybe He did answer it and it wasn’t the answer you were looking for so you didn’t recognize the answer. Or, sometimes it’s because the connection between you and God has been blocked. Blocked by a Prayer Whammy! Read on to find out more…
Read MoreTrunk or Treat Entertains 900 Guests at PUMC! (10/29/16)
We opened our church for our annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday 10/29/16, and an estimated crowd of 900 people visited our parking lot and Fellowship Hall. Guests could wander through the parking lot to view a variety of decorated trunks, jump in our bouncy house, or just to wander around our grounds on a clear evening. Families then headed inside the Fellowship Hall to bob for donuts, bowl, eat, or just to mingle with other kids and families. Not only was a great opportunity for some family...
Read MoreBecoming Agents of Holiness- Pt 2 (9/25/16)
“The Power of Intercessory Prayer” Pastor Jim is preaching a sermon series on Prayer, entitled “Becoming Objects of Holiness.” Last week, he introduced the series by challenging us with the importance of prayer, and highlighting the importance of praying together (“Corporate Prayer”). In this week’s sermon, he reminded us of the power that comes when we pray for others (“Intercessory Prayer”). Peter was in jail, about to be executed, and his friends...
Read MoreBreakfast and Yard Sale will Help La Pamilla Church! (10/29/16)
On Saturday October 29, our Fellowship will once again be buzzing with activity to support our mission efforts for a church in La Palmilla Mexico… Breakfast Buffet (8-11AM)… We’ll throw one of our “Famous” Breakfast Buffets from 8:00 AM to 11:00AM. Come out and enjoy our usual menu of French Toast casserole, Eggs, Chipped Beef, Pancakes… and some fruit to balance off the “bad” stuff! Cost of the buffet is Adults $8, $4 kids, free for...
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